I would agree that a good number of African-Americans share this same private opinion, and I'm not sure as to its point of origin...but it has a lot to do with how we see ourselves. Also, there are a couple of Black intellectuals...notably, Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan, who view education as a form of
training that has the ability disturb our level of self-perception.
In his book entitled, "The Race", he is moved to say, "...it is in these institutions (public schools) that the Black child is first indoctrinated to the myth of American democracy which acts as a veil for Americas racist posture toward Black folk...[and it is in these institutions] that the Black child first begins to form a negative concept of himself...." because of the lack of emphasis on his own cultural heritage.
From this blurb, I guess one can make the argument that this educational exposure or "training" could result in two damaging outcomes: 1) we
could possibly become so educated to the point where we can no longer identify with our "grass roots" as the one soror stated, or 2) we
could possibly turn out to be plain ignorant...not having an inkling of an idea as to what Black is...therefore clinging on to the most empty and meaningless of examples.
Returning to the soror's original post...I'll get back to my effort of trying to establish some sort of timeline to determine when "being Black [translated into] being education-less". Therefore, I'd like for us to take a look at "We Real Cool", written by Gwendolyn Brooks in
1960.
THE POOL PLAYERS.
SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL.
We real cool. We
Left school. We
Lurk late. We
Strike straight. We
Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We
Jazz June. We
Die soon.
I won't analyze the entire poem, but this is an early example of the attitude that being cool does not equate to being in school. She shows us the mindset of several young Black Americans who are uncertain about
the strength of their identity. And many of us still struggle with this concept today - educated or not.
It can be a challenge for some African-Americans to develop a strong identity....mainly because of the number of external and internal influences. Either you're not Black enough or you're too white. Unfortunately, too many of us embrace the idea that being Black enough, means taking on the attitude of a sub-culture that celebrates ignorance...and is unknowingly, doomed.
To me, there's no such thing as acting white. And as I continue to speak with my thick, sensual, Black lips...LOL....I think it's sad that we tend to view all things positive, educated, well-spoken...and with a self-assured posture as White - to hell with that!
How dare we...or anyone for that matter, try to assign a definition as to what is Black. It's myriad of things!! Black is a high level of intelligence, with a heritage that is totally relevant!! Black is, and Black ain't!! Black can be a cup of cheap, dry gin (or Knotty head..as grandpa used to say), or Black can be a refreshing Saturday morning Mimosa, made with the most expensive champagne!! Black is the janitor in the hallway carrying a broom, and Black is the educator...teaching Honors Chemistry in the next room!!
So, whether you're a "practitioner" or "academic"...Black, should never be defined by the equation: Black = Education-less!!
(okay...this was kinda long...if I strayed a lil'...forgive me...but I feel better now...thank you...LOL!!)
